OFF-DUTY MILWAUKEE POLICE OFFICER COMMITS SUICIDE A 29-year-old off duty Milwaukee Police Officer died Friday, July 18, 2008 as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The officer had five years of service to the Department and was assigned to District 3. An on-duty Milwaukee Police sergeant and another on-duty police officer came to the off-duty officer's home in the 3400 block of S. Griffin late Thursday after receiving a report that the off-duty office may be suicidal. Upon arrival at the off-duty officer's home, the sergeant and the officer who accompanied him attempted to intervene in preventing the suicide of their fellow officer. During this time, the off-duty officer placed a gun to his head in an active attempt at suicide. In a desperate attempt to prevent the suicide, the sergeant discharged his weapon striking the off-duty officer in the leg. As the off-duty officer fell to the ground, he again placed the gun to his own head and pulled the trigger. The off-duty officer was pronounced dead at the scene. The sergeant involved in the incident is 35 years old with 11 years of service on the Department. As is standard operating procedure, the sergeant involved was placed on administrative duty pending the completion of the investigation. The incident is being treated as a death investigation by the Milwaukee Police Department and also is being reviewed by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office, as is procedure when an officer fires their weapon in the line of duty and strikes another person. The thoughts and prayers of the Milwaukee Police Department go out to the off-duty officer's family and loved ones. # # # |